Horse Trailer - Tips on loading your pony
So you have taken the plunge—you have bought a pony and all the necessary equipment. You and the animal have went through training and are now pretty comfortable with each other. However, the time comes when your pony needs to travel, possibly to new living quarters, or maybe you want to train for shows of some kind. Training your animal to use a horse trailer can be a daunting task, but is something that does take some time and effort on your part.
So what is the proper way to train your animal to enter a horse trailer? First of all, your demeanor must be calm and you should take things slowly. Rushing the process will only put added stress onto you and the animal. A horse trailer should be treated just like another piece of equipment. When you introduced the saddle, you probably did it in stages; the horse trailer can be approached in much the same way. If the animal seems uncertain, but is still paying attention to you, don’t pressure the animal to progress further. Go back to the place where the animal feels comfortable and gradually work closer and closer to the horse trailer. Be patient, don’t hurry. Some horses may walk right into it on the first or second try. Other horses may need some coaxing and extra encouragement. If you don’t succeed the first day, don’t be discouraged. Begin the next day at the spot where the animal felt the most comfortable.
One thing you should not do is force the animal into the horse trailer. Do not get angry, never raise your voice or yell. This will only frustrate the animal (and you). Stay by the shoulder of the pony and calmly walk toward and into the horse trailer and guide him in the direction he should go. The animal will naturally follow your lead, although it may not happen the first or even second time. Keep working at it until the animal enters calmly with no apprehension.
Once your pony is inside, let him get used to it before you take him for a drive. This is a new environment for him and he will have to get used to it and investigate it on his own. You may want to stay with him for the first couple of times to make him feel more comfortable. He may want to get out, in which case you should let him get out and let him get out in the way in which he feels comfortable.
Horse trailer training is just another part of caring for your animal and something to consider when becoming the owner of horses. If you are looking for more information or are looking to buy a new or used horse trailer, investigate an equine site online or contact a local dealer that specializes in trailers.